Air-volume control mechanism



Q Sept. 5, 1939. A w BURKS 2,172,057

AIR-VOLUME CONTROL MECHANISM Filed July 31, 1956' 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I I I lXRTHURVMBURKS S pt. 5, 1939- A. w. BURKS 2,172,057

AIR-VOLUME CONTROL MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 51, 1936 40 J2 WP ARTHUR W BURKS g Mad-W 4 Patented Sept. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 23 Claims.

This invention relates to air-volume control mechanism that is primarily adapted for incorporation in a hydro-pneumatic water supply system.

In the use of a hydro-pneumatic water supply 'system, it is essential that the air supplying means not only supplies the necessary-air but that it will automatically cease supplying air when the proper amount of air has been delivered to the tank.

According to this invention, novel mechanism has been associated with a hydro-pneumatic water system for the purpose of supplying air and maintaining a proper proportion of air and water in such system.-

When a pump starts to operate, there is a drop in pressure in the suction line and then when it is stopped, the pressure back to the check valve in the suction line builds up to tank pressure. The novel mechanism involving this invention utilizes this difference in pressure to cause a piston or slug of water to pump air.

The invention comprises the novel structure and combination of parts hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred form of this invention and in which similar reference numerals refer to similar features in the difierent views:

Figure 1 is an enlarged part elevational and part sectional view of a water supply apparatus involving this invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view through the novel air control mechanism taken substantially upon the line IIIIII of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken upon the line IV-IV of Figure 1.

Figure '5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken upon the line VV of Figure 1.

In the drawings, there is shown a water supply system consisting of a storage tank l to which water is adapted to be supplied by a centrifugal pump 2 driven by a motor shaft 3 extending from a motor 4 upon which is supported a switch box 5 controlled by the pressure in the tank, as is well with the source of water supply. An angular wall I! separates the inlet part of the valve housing 8 from the outlet part that is connected to the suction line i. A port H in the wall II is controlled by a check valve 53 for shutting off 5 the source of supply when the pump is idle. There is nothing particularly novel in the mechanism thus far described except insofar as it may cooperate with this invention.

Within the casing 8, there is a yoke It having 10 a bearing 05 for receiving and guiding the stem it on the check valv l3. The yoke M has a substantially circular closed top I! (Figure 3) with a radially extending annular flange i8 supported upon the top of the casting 8. The flange i8 is flanked by washers It to produce a fluidtight joint, as clearly shown in Figure 3. The top H of the bearing yoke has a downwardly converging orifice 2H for the passage of water.

A housing M is attached to the top of the valve casing 8. While the housing 2! may be attached in various ways, it is preferably provided at its lower end with radially extending and diametrically opposite ears 22 for receiving the ends of a stirrup or yoke 23, which embraces the 25 bottom of the casing 8. The upper ends of the stirrup extend through the ears and are anchored by means of nuts 24. It will be noted that the bottom of the housing 2! has a suitable base or seat positioned upon the upper washer i9 whereby a fluid-tight joint is provided bebetween the top of the yoke It and the housing 2 l The top I! of the yoke it has a cylindrical boss 25 concentric with the orifice 20 for supporting the lower end of a metal tube Z6. It will be observed that the tube 26 is open at its lower end and telescopes over the boss 25. Adjacent the lower end of the tube 25 there are fluid inlet apertures 21. A float valve 28 is positioned within the tube and is guided thereby as it rises and falls. The lower end of the float valve 28 is fashioned to close the orifice 20 when the float valve descends a suflicient extent. It will be appreciated that in the event all of the water is withdrawn from the housing or chamber 2!, air would escape through the orifice 20, enter the suction line and stop the pumping of water, if it were not prevented by the float valve in its closed position.

The tube 26 has a closure 29 a short distance below the top thereof to provide a fluid retaining receptacle or pocket. This closure is provided with a bleeder opening 30 (Figure l). The closed tube 26 not only guides the float valve 28, but it 55 also protects the same from the vortex action set up by the water passing through the orifice 20 which would act to immediately lower the float to close the orifice 20 before the water was withdrawn from the housing 2|. The bleeder opening 30 is desirable to insure the downward movement oi the float valve at the proper time, so as and not to permit the float valve to remain in an up position for too long a time and allow air to escape through the orifice 20 into the suction line 1. As will be evident, when air replaces the water in the housing 2!, the entrance of air into the tube 23 is delayed by the slowness of the water draining through the small opening 30. By changing the size of the water pocket above the bleeder opening 33 or by changing the size of such opening, the action of the float valve can be hastened or retarded.

'lhe upper portion of the housing 2i has an ofi'set portion 3i, as shown in Figure 3. An air inlet port 32 extends through the lower wall of this oflset portion and a gravity acting check valve 33 normally closes this air port from within the housing. When the pressure within the housing it drops sufilciently below the atmospheric pressure so that the atmospheric pressure will open the check valve 33, air will enter the housing or chamber2l from the atmosphere.

The upper end of the housing 2! is provided with a threaded opening 33 in which a pipe coupling 35 is threaded. A pipe coupling 36 is threaded through the wall of the tank l at about the normal water level within said tank. The couplings 35 and 35 are connected by a copper tube 31. The coupling 33 has a. restricted orifice 38 (Figure 4) and a bleeder slot or groove 38a in the wall of said opening. A ball check valve 39 positioned within the inner end of the coupling is adapted to close the orifice 33 from within the tank under sufiicient pressure.

The lower portion of the housing 2i is also connected to the tank I by a copper tube or pipe 30 that is connected to the tank I by a coupling 36' (Figure having a restricted opening 33' similar to the one above, with the exception that no check valve is used. The restricted orifices 38 and 38' are so designed that when the pump is running, the amount of water delivered to the housing 2i will be less than the capacity of the pump, whereby a partial vacuum is produced in the housing 2i and air is drawn in through the check valve 33, as will be explained later. The pipe 30 has an additional function: In the event that the valve 28 does not seat tightly, water flowing through the tube 410 will more than take care of this leak and therefore prevent air from escaping into the suction line.

These water systems are adapted for use in country dwellings or the like, and the water is conveyed through the tank to the point or points of use by means of suitable piping which may be connected to the tank at the outlet port 3!. In such systems, the pump motor is automatically controlled by a pressure actuated switch. When the pressure in the tank drops to a predetermined extent, the motor will be started to operate the pump. After the pump has operated to replenish the tank and raise the pressure to a predetermined point, the switch will be thrown out to stop the motor, as is well known in the art.

The pressure in such a system arises from the compressed airconfined in the tank above the water and the head of the water. As this air gradually escapes in withdrawing water from the tank for use, it is essential that it be replaced When the predetermined motor starting pressure in the tank starts the motor and pump, if the water level in the tank is above the tube 31, it will be evident that there is an insuificient supply of air in the tank. The operation of the pump under such conditions will be such as to withdraw the water from the chamber 2| faster than it can flow therein through the restricted orifices 33 and 38' in the castings 36 and 36 with the result that a vacuum will tend to be created in the chamber it. Because of the greater mobility of air than water, atmospheric air will be drawn in through the check valve 33 to replace the withdrawn water faster than'water can be drawn into the chamber through the orifices 3B and 33'. The withdrawing of the water from the chamber 2| will continue until the float valve 28 descends and closes the orifice 20. The suction will keep the valve 128 closed as long as the pump is running. With the pump running and the fioat valve 28 closed, water is free to flow from the tank through the tube 40 into the, chamber 2! to seek its own level. In so doing the inflowing water acts like a piston to force the air upwardly through the pipe 31 and into the tank. When the pump stops, if the water levels in the tank and in the chamber 2| have not been by then equalized by such flow of water into the chamber through the orifice 38, there will be a sudden back rush of water from the tank through the pump, the pipe 1 and orifice 20 into the chamber 21, pushing air above it into the tank I through the pipe 31. This is the action that takes place when the pump is stopped after running for only a short time. Thus, additional air is supplied to the tank to replace any lost from the tank by solution in the water or otherwise.

If, on the other hand, the water in the tank is below its normal level, that is, below the pipe 31, as indicated in the drawings, before the low predetermined pressure is reached that will cut in the motor and pump, then when the pump starts, the water will be withdrawn from the chamber 2|, as previously set forth, and will be replaced by air flowing from the tank I through the pipe 31, and no outside air will be drawn in through the check valve 33. Thus, no additional air will be drawn into the system since none is required under the conditions assumed. The water will again be withdrawn from the chamber 2| and the float valve 28 will be closed, as previously set forth. As the pump continues to operate, water will flow into the chamber 2| through the pipe 40 and expel the air back-into the tank, but it will be'the same air that had been in the tank. V

.When the pump is idle, the chamber 2| is filled with water. In Figures 1 and 3, the water level in the chamber 2| is shown in a lowered position after the pump has operated to withdraw a portion of thewate'r. Of course, when the water rises a sufficient extent in the chamber 2|, the float valve will rise, but this can only occur when the pump is idle.

. From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a novel air volume controlmechanismihas been invented that will supply air and maintain the proper proportion of air to water in a water system in an automatic manner, and through the normal operation of the system. The water pressure in the system may thus'be maintained 1. In a water supply system, a tank, means responsive to pressure in said tank for supplying water thereto, a housing adapted for containing air and fluid having upper and lower restricted connections with said tank, said housing having an air inlet valve and a valve connection with said water supplying means.

2. In a water supply system, a tank, a pump for supplying water to said tank, means controlled by pressure in said tank for starting and stopping said pump, a fluid-tight housing defining a chamber having spaced connections with said tank and having an air inlet valve, and a valved connection between said chamber and pump.

3. In a fluid supply system, a tank, means for supplying fluid to said tank including a suction pipe, a housing connected to saidsuction pipe and having an air inlet valve, said housing having an orifice communicating with said suction pipe, a float valve for controlling said orifice, and spaced fluid conveying pipes extending from said housing to said tank.

4. In a fluid supply system, a tank, means including a pump for supplying fluid to said tank, and means for supplying air to said tank including a. chamber communicating with said tank and the atmosphere and receiving a slug of fluid from said tank for ejecting the air therein into said tank, said chamber having an air conducting conduit leading to said tank.

5. In a fluid supply system, a tank, means including a pump for supplying fluid to said tank, and an air controller having a connection with said tank for receiving a slug of fluid for forcing air into said tank, said controller having an air pipe leading to said tank.

6. In a fluid supply system, a tank, means including a pump for supplying fluid to said tank, and means for supplying air to said tank including a piston of fluid issuing from said'tank;

'7. In a fluid supply system, a tank, means for supplying fluid to said tank, and means for forcing air into said tank including fluid issuing from said tank.

8. In a water supply system, a tank, a suction pipe, a pump connected to said suction pipe for supplying water to said tank, an auxiliary casing defining a chamber adjacent said tank and having an air inlet valve, a pipe connection having a restricted orifice extending from the upper end of said casing to said tank, a check valve controlling said restricted orifice, a pipe connection extending from the lower portion of said casing to said tank and having a restricted oriflee communicating with said tank, a valve opening between said casing and suction pipe, and a float valve for controlling said valve opening.

9. In a water supply system, a tank, a suction pipe leading to a source of water supply, a pump connected to said suction pipe for supplying water to said tank, a casing defining an air and water chamber adjacent said tank and having an air inlet, spaced pipe connections between said casing and tank, said casing having an aperture communicating with said suction line, and a float in said chamber adapted for closing said aperture under predetermined conditions.

10. In a water supply system, a water tank, a suction pipe leading to a source of water supply, a pump connected to said suction pipe, means for controlling the air pressure in said tank comprising an auxiliary chamber having spaced connections with said tank and an air inlet, said connections having restricted orifices, said chamber having a valve opening communicating with said suction pipe and a float valve in said chamher for closing said valve opening when said float valve descends to the bottom of said chamber.

- 11. In a water supply system, a water tank, a suction pipe extending to a source of water supply, a pump connected to said pipe for supplying water to said tank, a casing defining an air and fluid chamber having a valved connection with said suction pipe and having an air inlet, an air pipe connecting the upper part of said chamber with said tank, a water pipe connecting the lower part of said chamber with said tank, said air and water pipes having restricted oriflces, and a check valve controlling the restricted orifice in said air pipe.

12. In a fluid supply system, a water tank, means including a pump for supplying water to said tank, means defining an air and water chamber having a restricted fluid inlet from said tank and a restricted air outlet to said tank, said chamber having an air inlet valve, and a controlled connection between said chamber and pump for the purpose set forth.

13. In a fluid supply system, a fluid storage tank, a pump for supplying fluid to said tank, means controlled by pressure in said tank for starting and stopping said pump, means defining an air supply chamber connected with an air source, said chamber having spaced connections with said tank and having a valved connection with said pump for the purpose set forth.

l4, In-a. fluid supply system, a fluid storage tank, means including a pump for supplying fluid to said tank, means defining an air and water chamber having connections with said tank and an air inlet valve, and a controlled connection between said chamber and pump.

15. In a fluid supply system, a water storage tank, a water suction pipe, a pump connected to said pipe for periodically delivering water to said tank, means, defining an air and water chamber adjacent said tank connected with an air source, a pipe connecting the upper end of said chamber with said tank and having a valve controlled restricted passage, a pipe connecting the lower portion of said chamber and tank, and a valve controlled communication between said chamber and suction pipe.

16. In a fluid supply system, a water tank, means including a pump for supplying water to said tank, means defining an air and water chamber adjacent said tank connected with an air source, a pipe connection between the upper end of said chamber and said tank, said connection having a restricted passage to said tank, a check valve controlling said passage, a pipe connection between the lower portion of said chamber and tank and a controlled connection between said chamber and pump.

17. In a water supply system, a water storage tank, means including a-pump for periodically supplying water to said tank, means defining an air and fluid chamber adjacent said tank, said chamber having an air inlet, a pipe connecting the upper portion of said chamber and tank, said pipe having a controlled restricted passage, and a pipe connecting the lower portion of said chamber with said tank, said chamber having controlled communication with said pump.

18. In a water supply system, a receptacle for water, a pump for delivering Water thereto, a casing defining a chamber connected to the suction side of said pump and to said receptacle at about the normal water level therein and having an air intake opening from the atmosphere, and

means associated with said casing and responsive to the action of said pump for preventing air drawn into said chamber from said receptacle or from the atmosphere depending upon the level of water in said receptacle from passing into the suction line of said pump.

19. In an air pressure water supply system, a tank for containing water up to a normal level and air thereabove, a pump for delivering water thereto, a casing defining a chamber connected to the suction side of said pump, said casing having a restricted connection to said tank at about said normal water level and having an air intake opening from the atmosphere, and valve means associated with said casing and responsive to the action of said pump for preventing air drawn into said casing from passing into the suction side of said pump.

20. In an air pressure water supply system including a tank and a pump for supplying water thereto up to a normal level against a pressure of air in the air space thereabove, the combination with said tank and pump of means for automatically maintaining'the proper proportion of air to water in said tank, said means comprising a chambered casing having restricted connections to said tank at about said normal level and at a lower level, an atmospheric air intake and a connection to the suction side of said pump, whereby, when the water in said tank is above said normal level under the suction effect of said pump, atmospheric air is preferentially drawn into said casing through said intake and water is caused to flow from said tank through said lower connection to force the thus drawn-in air into said tank through said normal level connection,

21. In an air pressure water supply system including a tank and a pump for supplying water thereto up to a normal level against a pressure of air in the air space thereabove, the combination with said tank and pump of means for automatically maintaining the proper proportion of air to water in said tank, said means comprising a chambered casing having restricted connections to said tank at about said normal level and at a lower level, an atmospheric air intake, a controlled connection to the suction side of said pump and a delayed action float ivalve for controlling said last mentioned connection, whereby, when the water in said tank is above said normal level, under the suction efiect of said pump water is withdrawn from said casing faster than replacement water can be drawn through said normal level and lower connections and air is therefore preferentially drawn into said casing until said float valve closes the suction side connection whereupon water thereafter flowing through said lower connection forces the thus drawn-in air into said tank through said normal level connection.

22. In an air pressure water supply system including a tank and a pump for supplying water thereto to a normal level against a pressure of air in the air space thereabove, the combination with said tank and pump of means for automatically maintaining the proper proportion of air to water in said tank, said means being responsive to the partial vacuum creating action of said pump depending upon the level of the water in said tank to withdraw air from said tank when the water is below normal level and to draw in atmospheric air when said water is above said normal level, said means comprising a chambered casing restrictedly connected to said tank at about said normal water level and connected to the suction side of said pump and having a one- Way valved air intake from the atmosphere, and a float valve for controlling the connection to the suction side of said pump to prevent air from being drawn into said pump from said casing.

23. In an air pressure water supply system including a tank and a pump for supplying Water thereto to a normal level against a pressure of air in the air space thereabove, the combination with said tank and pump of means for automatically maintaining the proper proportion of air to water in said tank, said means being responsive to the partial vacuum creating action of said pump depending upon the level of the water in said tank to withdraw air from said tank When the water is below normal level and to draw in atmospheric air when said water is above said normal level, said means comprising a chambered casing having connections to said tank at about said normal Water level, to the atmosphere and to the suction side of said pump, said connections being so arranged, of such cross section and so controlled that under a condition of partial vacuum within said casing due to the suction eiiect of said pump air rather than water will be predominantly drawn into said casing.

ARTHUR W. BURKS. 

